Baku to the Bosphorus
Baku to the Bosphorus
Baku to the Bosphorus
30 Days Starting in Baku, Azerbaijan and ending in Istanbul, Türkiye
Visiting: Baku, Sheki , Telavi, Tbilisi , Gudauri , Kutaisi , Mestia (Svaneti) , Borjomi , Gyumri , Yerevan , Goris , Tsaghkadzor , Kastamonu, Safronbolu , Bursa, Istanbul
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBBI
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 15
Age range:
12-90
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Baku to the Bosphorus, traversing the rich cultural landscapes of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. This immersive tour offers a blend of history, nature, and culinary delights, starting in the medieval walled city of Baku and culminating in the vibrant metropolis of Istanbul. Along the way, explore ancient monasteries, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and picturesque mountain villages. Savor local wines in Georgia's Kakheti region, marvel at the architectural wonders of Sheki, and experience the serene beauty of Armenia's Lake Sevan. This tour promises a captivating adventure through some of the most historically and culturally significant regions of the world.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Baku
Location: Baku
Spared destruction by the Mongols, Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku has a walled city where narrow streets lead to Shirvanshah’s Palace and the Maiden Tower, while the Caravanserai is a reminder that Silk Road caravans once stopped here.
In the evening of Day 1 join your Tour Leader and fellow travellers at 5:00pm for your Welcome Meeting as detailed on your Joining Instructions.
Day 2: Baku
Location: Baku
We begin the day exploring Baku, including the medieval walled city 'Icheri Sheher'. We then travel to the countryside where we find a Zoroastrian fire temple, formerly used by traders from Persia and India, while the Yanar Dag Fire Mountain is an interesting geological occurrence.
Day 3: Baku To Sheki
Location: Sheki
Today we travel through beautiful landscapes stopping first to visit Shemakha. Weather permitting we will also stop by the 'village of masters' Lahij which is famous for its' authentic handicrafts, particularly copper.
Day 4: Sheki And Kish
Location: Sheki
Sheki is one of the most ancient cities of Azerbaijan and is rightly called the architectural reserve of the country. The Palace of Sheki Khans is a rare and stunning example of combining the national and palace architecture traditions. We also visit the workshop of Kelagai, which is a traditional large, square silk head scarf and its production is included in the list of intangible cultural heritage UNESCO.
Day 5: To Kakheti
Location: Telavi
Welcome to Georgia! Today we travel across the border and into the Kakheti wine region, and the towns of Gremi, Nekresi and Telavi, enjoying the excellent food, wine and stunning mountain views.
Day 6: To Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Tbilisi, the charming capital is situated on the Mtkvari River and is a delightful city to explore on foot. With 5th century origins in the Old Town we visit Metekhi Church and Sioni Cathedral then stroll along Rustaveli Avenue to Freedom Square.
Day 7: To Gudauri
Location: Gudauri
Today we farewell our welcoming hosts and continue our journey to the UNESCO site of Mtskheta, the centre of the Georgian Orthodox Church and one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Christianity was proclaimed the state religion here in the 4th century, today the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral are UNESCO World Heritage Listed sites. From here we join the Georgian Military Highway and continue onto the mountain resort of Gudauri.
Day 8: Gudauri And Stepantsminda
Location: Gudauri
A stunning drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River will bring us to Kazbegi – the main town in the region. We set out on a challenging and rewarding 1.5 hour walk to Gergeti Trinity Church (2170m) high in the Caucasus Mountains. Alternatively, transport will be arranged locally. Weather permitting you will have a chance to see Mt Kazbegi.
Day 9: Kutaisi Via Gori
Location: Kutaisi
We continue through Gori, Stalin’s birthplace, to see where it all began visiting the dictators house and museum – though you will not find any reference to his purges which cost millions their lives. Then on to Kutaisi.
Day 10: Mestia (Svaneti)
Location: Mestia (Svaneti)
Climbing deep into the Caucasus Mountains to Svaneti we see unique ‘watchtower’ constructions which provided protection from would-be conquerors so successfully that the Svan tribes became isolated in their mountain fortresses. Enjoy a cable car ride up Mt Zuruldi (weather permitting) where exceptional views of the Caucasus Mountains can be enjoyed. Continuing to Zugdidi where we join a tour of the Dadiani Palace, a testimony to the regions rich royal past, before continuing to Mestia.
Day 11: Mestia
Location: Mestia (Svaneti)
Travel deep into the Svan heartland to Ushguli which at 2200 metres is the highest permanent village in Europe. Today upper Svaneti is a UNESCO Heritage Site, where the locals retain their old unwritten language and are known to practice blood-feuds from time to time. Svan offers some of the best views in Europe across the surrounding peaks and glaciers of the High Caucasus, and if the weather conditions are right, we’ll have the opportunity to see them.
Day 12: Return To Kutaisi
Location: Kutaisi
It is Kutaisi where Georgia’s most revered King, David the Builder, is buried within the UNESCO listed Gelati Monastery. Here we marvel at the wonderful mosaics and wall paintings of this well-preserved complex.
Day 13: Borjomi Via Akhaltsikhe
Location: Borjomi
We leave Kutaisi for Akhaltsikhe where we wander the Rabat Fortress (Old Town) with its rare examples of darbazebi (traditional Georgian houses), castle, mosque and synagogue. Later we visit Prometheus grotto, one of Georgia’s natural wonders rich in petrified waterfalls, stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers and lakes.
Day 14: Into Armenia And Gyumri
Location: Gyumri
This morning we visit the remarkable remains of Vardzia, a monastery complex carved into the rocks and cliffs dating back to the 12th - 13th centuries.
Continuing to the Armenian Border at Bavra we farewell our Georgian guide and after completing border formalities we set foot in Armenia bound for the capital of the Shirak Province, Gyumri.
Day 15: To Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Armenia was the world’s first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion. Winding our way to Armenia’s capital we make a stop at the archaeological remains of Zvartnots.
Day 16: Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Beyond the city we visit the last surviving Pagan Temple in Garni of indeterminate origin, and farther on the UNSECO World Heritage Listed monastery of Geghard, which is carved, literally, out of the surrounding mountain.
Day 17: Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Whilst in Yerevan we explore the delightful city with beautiful tree-line streets, cafes and museums on our city tour including a visit to the State History Museum.
Day 18: Yerevan To Goris
Location: Goris
Leaving Yerevan we stop to admire some of the region’s surrounding treasures including Noravank Monastery. We will also take in the stunning Tatev Monastery as well as the breathtaking view over biblical Mt Ararat (weather permitting), the reputed resting place of Noah’s Ark.
Day 19: Goris To Tsaghkadzor
Location: Tsaghkadzor
Travelling northwards from Goris to Tsaghkadzor we visit the breathtaking Khndzoresk Village. Situated on the steep slopes of Khir Dzor is the thousand-year-old Khndzoresk cave village, today around four hundred natural and man-made dwellings remain etched in the hillsides. Sixty-three metres above the ground Khndoresk Swinging Bridge runs over a deep canyon connecting the old and new villages.
Continuing our journey, we take some time to uncover the mysterious Karahunge Observatory, known as the Armenian Stonehenge (predating its English counterpart by 3,000 years), Selim Caravanserai and onto Gegharkunik region to see Noratus Medieval Khachkar Field, a fascinating medieval cemetery. The scenery and mountain setting provides the perfect canvas and backdrop to such a unique and impressive array of history, carved in stone.
Day 20: Tsaghkadzor To Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Today we wind our way through valleys and gorges to seek out the hidden monasteries amongst untouched nature, serenity and impressive architecture - Haghpat and Haghartsin before returning to Tbilisi. En route we pause at the serene Lake Sevan, the world’s second largest, high altitude lake at 1900 metres above sea level. From here we can climb up to Sevanavank Monastery to marvel at the stunning panoramic views across the azure waters.
Day 21: Tbilisi To Batumi And To Camlihemsin
Location: Tbilisi
An early start and busy day ahead as we transfer first by train to the Black Sea coast and the main seaside resort town of Batumi. We then cross the border into Turkey and travel deep into the mountains of Rize Province, and to the tea fields of Camlihemsin - our base for the next two nights. We will learn about the history and traditions of the region over dinner this evening.
Day 22: Camilhemsin
Location: Tbilisi
Located on the fast flowing Firtina River, Camlihemsin was part of an important trading region over the centuries of the Silk Road trade. We will enjoy a guided walk to the tea plantations by our local hosts and learn about how tea came to be grown in the region, the processes and comerce of the modern tea trade - and how Turkey became the biggest consumer of tea in the world. We enjoy lunch with a local family.
Day 23: To Trabzon And On To Ordu
We descend to the Black Sea and follow the coast road through Rize to Trabzon; founded by Byzantine Greeks in the 8thC we vist the Hagia Sophia Byzantine church, and in the nearby mountains the 4th C Byzantine Sumela Monastery -hewn into the rock face.
Day 24: To Samsun And On To Kastamonu
Location: Kastamonu
Leaving Ordu we follow the coast to Samsun then inland to the charming provincial town of Kastamonu; renowned for its food, in particular its speciality - halva .
Day 25: Kastamonu To Safranbolu
Location: Safronbolu
We travel to the old Silk Road town of Safranbolu - its name taken from its most famous produce, saffron. Explore the old town, sample the local Turkish delight - and a visit to the historic Turkish bathhouse for a traditional 'hamam'
Day 26: Safranbolu To Amasra: Safranbolu
Location: Safronbolu
We explore the ancient picturesque port of Amasra, a thriving centre of trade for the ancient Greeks, Genoese and Ottoman empires. Enjoy a swim and a traditional fish lunch before bidding farewell to the Black Sea and reurning to Safranbolu.
Day 27: Safranbolu To Bursa
Location: Bursa
To Bursa; ancient Silk Road trade centre - it remains a centre of silk production; first capital of the Ottoman Empire and home of the legendary 'Iskender kebab'! We explore the historic centre: the Grand Mosque, Bazaar, Koza Han Caravanserai and enjoy the lively nightlife of this university town.
Day 28: Bursa To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
We board a local ferry for the final leg of our journey to Istanbul - crossing the Sea of Marmara to the Bosphorous and the gateway for east to west - Istanbul. This afternoon we take in the classic sights: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar
Day 29: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Our sightseeing today will take in the Spice Market, Rustem Pasha Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace and the Navy Museum.
Day 30: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Your journey from Baku to the Bosphorous concludes today, continue your travels or perhaps extend for some additional nights in Istanbul for further adventures.
What's Included
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Accommodation
29 Hotel/Guesthouse (twin share)
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Additional Services
Comprehensive schedule of sightseeing with certified Local Guides. You’ll have a generous sprinkling of free time to relax or explore on your own.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
All transfers including to and from the airport.
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Fully Guided
An experienced Tour Leader accompanies the whole journey to keep your adventure on track. Local Guides are native to each destination and as certified professionals will share their immense knowledge with you. 24/7 support is available in the office and on the ground.
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Meals
29 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 18 dinners
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, all arrival and departure transfers are included to and from the airport.
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What is the maximum group size?
Small group tours ensure an intimate experience and all of our tours have a maxumum group size of 15.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
There are no single supplements on group tours if you are happy to share wtih fellow travellers. If you craft a custom journey or would prefer private hotel accommodation a single supplement may apply.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, all entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing are included.
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Can I travel independently on this journey?
Yes, Sundowners Overland can created a customised Tailor Made journey to meet your needs should you wish to travel independently through these regions.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Depending on your passport you may require visas for this journey. You will be provided with a comprehensive set of visa guidelines to assist you.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded, well travelled clients who you are sure to forge lasting friendships with as you unlock the wonders of the world together.
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Can I create a customised journey with Sundowners Overland
Yes. All of our group tours can be used as a starting point to create your own adventure. Whether travelling alone or in a private group the options are endless. We are happy to work with you to craft a journey that meets your interests and requirements.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1964
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are no single supplements on group tours if you are happy to share with fellow travelers. If you craft a custom journey or would prefer private hotel accommodation, a single supplement may apply.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Comprehensive tour documentation and visa guidelines
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please see full booking conditions for details.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Contact us to see if an alternative start point applies to your chosen journey.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, we ensure that all accommodation is of a suitable standard for our journeys.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please see full booking conditions for details
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions